Dear Spring Garden Community,

These last few weeks have been challenging for everyone. We are fortunate to be a part of a community that values relationships and works together to support each other. Each of us, in our various roles as administrators, board members, parents, teachers, and students all contribute to the success of our school. In this letter and the Q&A that follows, we want to answer any questions you and your family may have about financial considerations moving forward.

We have had several meetings with our Administration and Finance Committee about the state of our school in regards to financial considerations and COVID-19. We want to assure parents that, thanks to smart budgeting and the generosity of our community, the school is in a solid financial position to help weather this storm this school year.  

However, long term, our school’s health is dependent upon continued enrollment of new families and retention of our current families. That is why our faculty and staff are prioritizing open communication at this time with each and every family. Care for our community is top of mind as we move forward together through this time. Please know that we want to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers or administrative staff. 

With appreciation,
Tracy Edwards | Kyle Yoder
Director of Administration | Board President

SGWS Parent Financial Q&A 


Will financial aid be available for families in need?

Yes. Spring Garden is creating an Emergency Hardship Tuition Assistance Fund for enrolled Spring Garden Waldorf School families struggling financially during this time. Families will be welcome to apply for this aid and can begin the process by sending an email to jmarchetta@sgws.org . This fund is separate from our regular financial aid offerings and is specific to the changing financial circumstances caused by COVID-19.

We are now accepting applications for Financial Aid for the 2020-21 school year. Parents can begin the application online by clicking here .  We had established a deadline to submit Financial Aid applications by May 1, 2020. In light of our current circumstances, we encourage all families applying for financial aid to do so by May 31st. We expect an increase in tuition assistance for the 2020-2021 school year and will likely continue with the Emergency Hardship Tuition Assistance Fund.

Please contact Julie Marchetta if you have any questions about the process.

What about my contract commitment for Service Hours?

Thanks to everyone who completed service hours for our school! Our small community relies on the support of everyone to accomplish many tasks. For those families who have not completed their service hours for the 2019-2020 school year, we are waiving the remainder of your service hours. However, when the stay at home order is lifted, we will likely need help with some tasks, like moving classrooms. We will announce when help is needed and hope that you will pitch in!


Will Spring Garden do anything in particular to support Early Childhood parents at this time?

Yes. We understand that much of the Early Childhood Waldorf experience is about gentle rhythm, peer socialization, modeling and play which happens in the classroom. We also understand that Early Childhood education serves as childcare for many working families. 

We are working on a plan to offer some assistance with summer childcare for our EC families currently at home with small children. We expect these will be offered without fees and are working on the structure and details of this program. 

Are you paying full time staff? 

Yes. Our full-time faculty will continue to be paid in full as they provide comprehensive distance learning to all our students. 

Are you paying part time staff?

Yes. Our part-time faculty and staff will continue to be paid in full as we find innovative ways to use their talents and time while the building is closed. 

Is the school looking into grants and government relief?

Yes. We are meeting regularly with financial advisors about the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill, which does allow some assistance for private schools. We also meet several times each week with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Ohio Association of Independent Schools as they update us continually about relevant issues. 

Here are some good initial resources for Ohio families with financial need:

As the situation progresses and we move forward through an extended closure, we will stay in contact and share what we learn.


How can I help community members in need?
 
Families in a solid financial position during the crisis, who wish to help less fortunate Spring Garden Families, are welcome to donate to our new Emergency Hardship Tuition Assistance Fund . Click Here to Donate Online . 
Spring Garden Waldorf School | www.sgws.org